Systems and methods for a wireless network connection point locator

Abstract

Systems and methods for determining the presence of a wireless network connection point based upon wireless network characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include, but are not limited to: message length, repetition rate and response timing. These types of characteristics are used to differentiate various types of wireless networks from other radio frequency signals within a given band. The output of the locator is compared against desired thresholds to indicate signal strengths roughly corresponding to current wireless networks cards.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit of Application No. 60 / 478,006, filed Jun. 11, 2003, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Portable Wireless Network Location System,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]NOT APPLICABLEREFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK.[0003]NOT APPLICABLEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention pertains to systems and methods for locating a wireless network connection point and, more particularly, to systems and methods for detecting the presence of a wireless network.[0006]2. Description of the Prior Art[0007]Portable computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other portable electron...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides systems and methods for determining the presence of a wireless network connection point based on various message characteristics such as message length, repetition rate, and response timing. The device includes a radio frequency detector with a signal processor that evaluates the detected signal based on wireless network characteristics. The device also includes an indicator that indicates the presence of a detected signal. The method includes searching for a signal, evaluating the signal based on wireless network characteristics, and indicating the type and strength of the detected signal. The device is portable and self-contained with an optimized energy use. The direction of the wireless network access point can also be determined using a directional antenna or comparing signals from at least two antennae."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, it is currently a time consuming task to power up and log on to a portable computer or electronic device only to find that a wireless network connection point is not available, thus wasting the person's time and wasting power.

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